Quinnipiac Director of Athletics Jack McDonald was honored with the St. Francis Award at the 28th Annual Franciscan Life Center Sports Center on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plainview, Conn.

McDonald became the third Quinnipiac recipient – joining women’s basketball coach Tricia Fabbri and men’s basketball coach Tom Moore – to receive the prestigious award, which honors those that honor Franciscan values while excelling on the playing field. McDonald was introduced by Quinnipiac President John Lahey, who highlighted not only a banner year at Quinnipiac at saw the men’s ice hockey team advance to the NCAA Frozen Four and the women’s basketball team win its first NEC Championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament, but also McDonald’s extensive body of work since arriving at Hamden in 1995.

In addition to McDonald, Quinnipiac alum John Mirabello ’86 was honored with the inaugural Dean of Sports Award. The event was billed as a Special Tribute of former University of Connecticut head coach Jim Calhoun, who has been a supporter of the Franciscan Life Center since receiving the St. Francis Award 25 years ago. Moore, who was Calhoun’s assistant for 13 year, spoke of his former mentor’s passion in coaching and raising a family, while former UConn stand-outs Jake Voskuhl and Steve Pikiell entertained the capacity crowd at Aqua Turf with stories of their former coach.

In attendance to honor McDonald were five-tables-full of friends and family as well as Quinnipiac athletic staff and supporters.